Ghana Together works with our Ghanaian friends of Western Heritage Home, a Ghanaian-registered and managed non-profit, to improve social, educational, and health conditions in Axim, Ghana. Together we accomplish projects, connect WHH to resourceful individuals and organizations, and create sustainable programs. We make a real difference to real people in a local, grassroots effort.
Our website at http://ghanatogether.org tells our story.

Mar 12, 2009

Western Heritage Home (WHH), Ghana Together's Ghanaian partner NGO, has launched its second major program: The WHH Academy. The Academy operates on the newly finished 2nd floor of the WHH Children's Home/Community Learning Center facility in Axim, Ghana. Thanks to a grant from Boeing Community Relations (West Africa), there are two medium-sized classrooms and one very large conference room that can be divided, plus a small computer learning lab. Donations from family and friends of Ghana Together funded chairs, blackboards, and some tables. All were constructed by local craftsmen.

The FIRST initiative of the WHH Academy is the launch of a remedial program for Senior Secondary School graduates.

After a little more than a month in operation, 33 students are registered and are receiving remedial tutorial classes to prepare for their secondary school exams. These students have graduated from senior secondary school (equivalent to our US high school), and now must pass a set of rigorous exams to compete for a slot at university or polytechnic level. Most have taken the exams in a dozen or more subjects, and have passed many but not all. They typically study for up to six months to prepare for the second round. Currently, WHH is hosting classes in English, math, physics, biology, government, and literature. Others will be added depending on students' needs.

The program is the only one in the Nzema District, with population of some 150,000 in all. It is much-needed because only about 3% go on to to tertiary education from Nzema District. Until now, students had to travel to one of the major cities, an impossibility for most both in terms of distance and expense. Suffice it to say, this program is generating a lot of local enthusiasm. WHH has advertised by radio "jingles" throughout the Western Region.

The WHH Academy's aim is to be self-sufficient financially in terms of operating costs. Students pay 20 cedis per subject per "term"--about 2.5 months (about $15 US). Classes run Monday-Friday, 3:00-6:00 pm. Although many students are from the Axim area, some have come long distances, involving 3 hours or more bus rides. WHH has space for a women's hostel to accommodate up to 15 women in the WHH Facility, and has rented an apartment to serve as a hoStel for up to 15 young men. Students cook their own meals. Families sacrifice much to give at least one of their children this opportunity.

Teachers, called "Masters", are the most senior teachers from the local Nsein Senior Secondary School. Mr. Donald Kingsley Amokwaw, Senior English and Literature teacher, is the "Head" of the Masters, who work on contract, and coordinates schedules, etc. Patrick Kwofie, Asst Mgr of WHH, coordinates the program on behalf of WHH.

The Academy will add additional initiatives after the remedial program is well-established and running well. The WHH Board approved the following Mission Statement in early 2009.

WHH ACADEMY MISSION STATEMENT

VISIONWHH Academy is initiated by Western Heritage Home (WHH), a Ghanaian-registered and managed NGO based in Axim, Ghana, to aid in the actualization of the dreams of our forefathers Dr. Anton Amo, Paa Grant, Kwame Nkrumah and others, insuring that the citizenry of Nzemaland in particular develop fully to lead the good life and that the Western Region in general continues to project its accolade “The best is in the West!”

AIMS AND OBJECTIVESTo provide a variety of educational opportunities and academic facilities for young and old.

ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS1. Offers remedial classes for secondary students so senior high school leave-takers can learn on weekdays and Saturdays2. Provides information, advice, and counseling---health, academic, personal, and career---to youth3. Through its Reading Institute, sponsors Reading Camps and Forums, and provides a basic library of reading education resources for everyone4. Offers adult literacy and self-improvement education5. Offers classes in computer literacy and ICT training